Roanoke Entrepreneur

Roanoke Outside

As a place to live or to make a living, the Roanoke, Virginia region is recognized as one of the best. Roanoke’s central East Coast location provides excellent market access for business and a pleasant climate for residents. Located in a right-to-work state, it’s recognized as an excellent place to find a job, and known for a low cost of living. There’s always plenty of time for the best cycling, water sports, hiking, arts, and entertainment. Explore the Roanoke Region of Virginia’s four partnership websites — Roanoke Business, Get2KnowNoke, Roanoke Entrepreneur, and Roanoke Outside.

MAP CENTER

Companies from around the world have chosen the Roanoke Region of Virginia for the assets that create the right climate for advanced manufacturers and knowledge industries. This region has one of the most diverse economies in Virginia and is able to provide low costs and high productivity that meet the needs of industries from electronics to software to shared services and more.

The largest metropolitan area in western Virginia, the Roanoke Region covers 1,700 square miles at an elevation 1,149 feet. There are more than 325,000 people who call the region their home and more than 1,000,000 others who use it as their regional center for jobs, transportation, entertainment, and health care.

Alleghany, Botetourt, Franklin, and Roanoke counties; the cities of Covington, Roanoke, and Salem; along with the town of Vinton offer up an idea mix of urban, suburban, and rural lifestyles that help businesses attract and retain skilled and talented workers. Graduates of the 20+ colleges and universities in the greater region are drawn to this area that offers Virginia’s largest lakes, longest rivers, Appalachian Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, and 600 miles of hiking and biking trails. Top it off with an attractive climate, great choices of neighborhoods and housing, superior health care and quality schools and you’re in the right place in the Roanoke Region.

ROANOKE HIGHLIGHTS

Best of the Blue Ridge

The Roanoke region's reputation as an outdoor recreation destination has steadily grown, gaining accolades and recognition from around the country for its abundance of, and ease of access to, a huge amount of outdoor resources. Roanoke was recently voted the Best of the Blue Ridge by Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine.

Studies that say over 80 percent of large consumer-goods companies cited water availability and quality as a fundamental concern for their business. The Roanoke Region is in great position to take advantage of this shift.

With 14 breweries within 60 miles, the Roanoke Region is a part of the rapidly growing craft beer culture. Two large, regional beer festivals, Big Lick Beertopia in the spring and Microfestivus in the summer feature more than 25 national and regional breweries each.